Who Should I Start? Mac Jones or Tyler Shough

Saturday, November 1, 5:05 AM

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Mac Jones (knee) has been named the team's Week 9 starter, though regular starter Brock Purdy (toe) has not yet been ruled out and may be available off the bench. Jones has already started six games in Purdy's stead, passing for 1,597 yards and eight touchdowns with a 65.9% completion rate, and throwing five interceptions. In Week 9, the Niners face the Giants, who have given up three straight top-12 finishes to opposing quarterbacks. Jones might struggle to see the same success, as he will be short on help and protection. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall (knee) is still out, as is starting center Jake Brendel (hamstring). Jones projects as a low-end QB2 and should be avoided given the matchup and the lingering possibility of Purdy being healthy enough to sub in if Jones can't get the offense going.

Saturday, November 1, 10:31 AM

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough took over for Spencer Rattler in the third quarter of the blowout loss to the Buccaneers, and head coach Kellen Moore will roll with the rookie for the rest of the season. In limited action thus far, Shough has completed 17 of 32 passes for 128 yards and an interception. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 219 pounds, he offers plenty of arm strength and averaged 9.7 yards per attempt last season at Louisville, highlighting his ability to attack downfield. While he offers little rushing upside, Moore said the team is "not looking back," so expect Shough to let it rip. He's a back-end QB2 or Superflex option against a tough Rams defense.